As if there isn’t enough stress that comes with the loss of a tooth – at any age – a new study is giving the elderly population further reason to fret the dislodgement of their pearly whites.

The research, which was published online at Behavioral and Brain Functions, shows a possible correlation between the loss of teeth and the onset of dementia.

This study was conducted in Japan and involved forty-two hundred individuals, sixty-five years or older. Each of the participants was required to undergo a dental examination and a psychological evaluation.

The results give good reason for individuals to continue caring for their teeth long into their adult years. A possible link between early- stage Alzheimer’s disease and tooth loss has been suspected for some time.

This research gives a clearer picture of that connection.

While researchers do not claim that this is concrete evidence, there is reason to suspect that gum disease – a leading cause of tooth loss in the older population – attributes to neuron damage in the brain.

Possible explanations of this phenomenon include the possible release of inflammatory substances as a result of the gum infections, which also cause increased inflammation in the brain leading to neuronal death.

It has long been known that oral health has a great impact on one’s overall health, but this study provides even better reason for the general public to continue brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist.

Cases of gum disease should be treated as quickly and as thoroughly as possible to prevent tooth loss and also the potential damage to other areas of the body.

If you want to know more about this potential connection, continue reading the full article.